Best affordable headphones for iPods

Portable mp3 players like iPod have changed the way we listen to music. We can carry the whole music collection with us wherever we go. To many, devices like iPods have become every day accessories and even the fashion items. Good headphones are really important part of it. Great sound quality brings the most out of your favourite song, be it a long journey on bus or walk in the middle of a crowded street.

There are three types of smaller headphones best suitable for iPods and other mp3 players – earbud headphones, in-ear headphones and ear pad headphones.

• Earbuds are the ones that usually come with the players. They are seated in the center of the outer ear. The inexpensive ones usually lack in sound quality, have poor base and don't block the noise from around. But there are some great sounding earbuds as well.
• In-ear headphones fit and seal the ear canal, providing much better sound than earbuds an even traditional headphones. These headphones are commonly used by sound professionals and performers, as they provide best noise blocking.
• Earpad headphones have ear pads or ear pieces that rest on ear. There are three types of earpad headphones - open, closed, and noise-cancelling.

Open ones provide better sound quality, but don't isolate your ear from outside noise.
Closed headphones have closed back earpiece that blocks outside noise and prevent others nearby from hearing your music.
Noise cancelling headphones have internal microphone and electronic circuit that takes outside noise, inverts the signal and adds it to the music signal to cancel incoming frequencies.

Considered to be the best sounding affordable earbud headphones. Provide detailed and balanced sound. Traditional design, very comfortable to wear.

Designed for indoor and outdoor sports activities. Provides powerful sound, but don't block much of the ambient noise, making them safer for outdoor use. Sweat and water resistant.

Have excellent bass-driven sound that is optimised for portable audio players. The ergonomic design makes them fit nicely and has the integrated volume control on the cable.

Very good value for money. Have the unique oval ear tip that provides better isolation and comfort than other in-ear headphones at this price. Has good sound with a strong bass.

Etymotic has over 100 patents in the in-ear headphone category. That provides excellent design and very affordable price. Sound quality is superb and ambient noise is reduced by 98% which means uninterrupted listening experience everywhere.

These headphones have environment friendly design. They are made from lead free parts, real wood and have recycled packaging. Built-in microphone is useful in mobile communication. Sound is rich, warm with great bass response.

These clip-on earphones are cheap, sound good and are comfortable. Open-design earpieces allow in outside noise,  keeping you safe on the street.

Koss Porta Pro are classic portable player headphones, providing the best sound for the price. Design allows to use them during heavy exercise. These headphones can be folded down for storage or travel.

Excellent open design headphones, which deliver stunning sound. The headband is constructed for extra durability for everyday use and can be folded in compact travel case.

I personally prefer the earpad headphones, as I don't have to stick anything in my ears and I want to hear, what is going on around me. From my experience, the Koss Porta Pro and Sennheiser PX 100-II are the best headphones for the IPod. Both have outstanding sound quality and are very comfortable for extended usage time. The only disadvantage for Koss Prota Pro was the headband pulling my hear as it sometimes stuck in the little plastic sliders.